Overview
Delivery mode: Blended
- This program will be delivered during COVID-19 as a combination of online and on-campus learning.
- Faculty will notify students of when their attendance on campus will be required.
- We are putting measures in place for your safety and well-being, ensuring that all safety protocols are addressed. Please see BCIT COVID-19 Return to Operations for details on the mandatory procedures that have been implemented.
- Your education is our priority and we will continue to deliver the applied instruction, collaborative experience, and industry connections that you expect from BCIT.
- Learn more about how this program is adapting learning during COVID-19.
Podcasts, YouTube video series, streaming radio, audio books, commercial web series, sports coverage, and of course, traditional radio—all these media arts industries are looking for more and more skilled people to run, host, program, and manage the growing amount of content in today’s digital world.
To give you the real-world skills and experience you need for a successful career in media arts and entertainment, BCIT has developed this job-focused, 2-year program. In this program, you’ll prepare for a media career in a variety of fields by studying things like audio, video, reporting, coordinating, and event planning. Additionally, you’ll get invaluable hands-on experience with two practicums and work at Canada’s only student-run radio station, Evolution 107.9.
About the program
- 2 years, full-time
- Courses from September to May
- 90% of grads find work in a related industry within 3 months of graduating
- The only campus in Canada where students run every aspect of the school radio station, Evolution 107.9
Learn more about why BCIT’s program has one of the best reputations in the industry on the Program Details page.
Work integrated learning
Every full-time diploma program has a practicum component where students spend time with an industry partner (TV and Radio stations; production, sports and entertainment companies). Practicums are typically 4 weeks long.
Students may also have the opportunity to enter co-op in level four.
Who should apply for the BCIT Radio Arts and Entertainment Diploma?
If you’re interested in a unique career in new entertainment media, including digital and analog radio, podcasts, broadcasts, and more, this program is for you.
You’ll be successful in this program and career if you are:
- Flexible and can think on your feet
- Creative
- Energetic and outgoing
- Lively
- Dynamic
- People-smart and a savvy problem solver
If you’re excited for a career in the media arts, start your journey today by applying on our Entrance Requirements page.
Your experience matters
Do you already have some experience working in radio or digital broadcast? Or have some post-secondary course work? You might qualify for advanced placement to help speed your education and entry into your new career in media arts.
What grads can do
With so much practical experience throughout the program, BCIT graduates are prepared with the knowledge and skills required to launch into a career in media arts. In fact, 90% of graduates find work within a related industry within three months of graduation.
Learn more about the career opportunities awaiting you on our Graduating and Jobs page.
- Next up Entrance Requirements
Entrance Requirements
Students with part-time employment require flexible hours to accommodate the work schedule of this program. The Radio Arts and Entertainment program always receives more applications than available seats, so apply early.
COVID-19 Notice to Applicants
Application processing
Open to applications beginning October 1st (or next business day).
Entrance requirements
Applicants must meet all entrance requirements and will be accepted on a first qualified basis as long as space remains.
- English: two years of education in English in an English-speaking country with one of the following:
- English Studies 12 (67%) or
- English First Peoples 12 (67%) or
- Other acceptable BC and Yukon courses or
- 3.0 credits of post-secondary English, humanities or social sciences (67%) from a recognized institution
Recommended for success
Applicants are encouraged to attend one of the information sessions which are held on the first Monday of each month during the school year (September to June) at 1730 in the Broadcast Centre, Building SE10 on the Burnaby campus. (When the first Monday of a month is a holiday, the meeting is held on the second Monday.)
The prospective applicant is expected to have high proficiency in oral and written English. Previous studies in fine arts, communications, political science, history, psychology, business, law, computer science, and other humanities, as well as an up-to-date awareness of current events, will prove valuable.
Proficiency in social media and applied computer skills is essential for program success.
BCIT Broadcast and Media Communications Part-time Studies courses.
Varied experience in any broadcast or digital media, public relations, marketing, sales or sports organization.
International applicants
International students should be aware that this program has a mandatory integrated work experience and you are responsible for ensuring that you hold a valid co-op work permit, which is required to complete this practicum. The co-op work permit is separate from the study permit for having authorization to work up to 20 hours per week during your studies.For more information, please contact the BCIT International Student Centre.
Apply to program
To submit your application:
- Include proof of meeting all entrance requirements.
- Convert all transcripts and supporting documents to PDF files.
- Have a credit card ready to pay the application fee.
Apply Now
Scheduled Intakes
September each year.
myCommunication
Within two business days of submitting your completed application, BCIT will send a message to your personal and myBCIT e-mail addresses. All correspondence regarding your application will be posted to your online myCommunication account at my.bcit.ca. We'll send you an e-mail when a new message is posted. It's important to watch for these e-mails or regularly check your account online.
You can expect to receive communication concerning the status of your application within four weeks.
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- Next up Advanced Placement
Advanced Placement
Conditions
You may be eligible to apply to an advanced level of the program through direct entry. Please note that applications are considered based on:
- Complete applications: you must show proof that you have completed (or are registered in) all requirements to be considered.
- Competitive entry: if the number of applicants exceeds available seats, BCIT will accept those deemed to have the best opportunity for success.
- Seat availability: confirmation may not be available until approximately one week before the term begins.
Direct entry
If you are new to the program but have completed an equivalent part of it at BCIT or elsewhere and want to apply to an advanced level, you can apply for direct entry to level 3. Note that direct entry is limited and must involve thorough consultation with the Program Head prior to applying.
BCIT accepts complete applications from October 1st* to March 31st*.
*or next business day
- Proof of meeting all general entrance requirements
- Course-by-Course Self-Assessment Form [PDF] showing that you have formal, accredited, post-secondary training in a recognized Broadcast program, with courses equivalent to the required courses listed below. Detailed course outlines will be required to determine equivalency.
- Official transcripts of previous education*
*If you have completed post-secondary studies outside of Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia or New Zealand, you will require a basic evaluation of their credentials by the International Credential Evaluation Service (ICES). Credential evaluation reports from other Canadian services may be considered.
Completion of the following courses (or equivalents) is required:
Level 1 | |
Course | Course Name |
BCST 1111 | Media Performance 1 |
BCST 1113 | Journalism 1 |
BCST 1300 | Advertising: Theory and Techniques |
BSCT 1320 | Sound Design 1 |
BCST 1350 | Policy, Regulation and Ethics in Society 1 |
BCST 1380 | Script Performance |
COMM 1113 | Business Communication 1 |
ORGB 2325 | Organizational Behaviour | Level 2 |
Course | Course Name |
BCST 1310 | Marketing Foundations |
BCST 2209 | Practicum 1 |
BCST 2211 | Media Performance 2 |
BSCT 2213 | Journalism 2 |
BCST 2305 | Online Design |
BCST 2320 | Sound Design 2 |
BCST 3315 | Documentary Production |
BCST 3360 | Project Proposal |
COMM 2213 | Business Communication 2 |
OPMT 1319 | Statistics and Research Techniques |
Ready to submit your application? Apply now.
Direct entry FAQs
- When should I apply?
- When will I be accepted?
- Can I take courses in advance to reduce my course load?
- When will I get my timetable?
- When can I buy my books?
It is recommended that you apply when you have met all of the entrance requirements. All entrance requirements must be met before being considered for entry.
Once your application has been assessed and has been approved for direct entry, a seat must become available in the program you have selected. Seats for level 3 in September are given out starting in June, after first-year students have obtained their final grades and the number of available seats has been determined. Seats will be given out over the course of the summer.
In order to maintain a competitive application, it is recommended that you take no more than two courses per term ahead of time. A maximum of two courses per level are eligible for credit. Note that this will not reduce your full-time program tuition.
Print your timetable one day prior to class start by logging into my.bcit.ca and going to Student Self-Service. You must be registered in your courses in order to access this feature.
It is recommended that you wait until the first week of classes before buying textbooks. Your instructors will tell you which books to buy.
To register for a Part-time Studies course, visit Register for Part-time Courses or contact Student Information and Enrolment Services.
Still have questions? Review the Admissions FAQ or contact Program Advising.
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- Next up Costs & Supplies
Costs & Supplies
Bring Your Own Device & additional equipment
Students are required to have their own laptop and additional equipment for recording, editing, and storing audio and other media. Please refer to the Bring Your Own Device Specifications [PDF] for requirements.
Laptop costs vary depending on the configuration chosen, but will likely range from approximately $1,000 to $2,000.
Vehicles
Radio Arts & Entertainment students do not need to own a vehicle. However, students must have a valid driver’s license and may need access to a vehicle to complete work necessary for certain individual and group projects.
Tuition fees
Please see the Full-Time Studies Tuition & Fees page for full-time tuition fees.
Books & supplies
Student spending above and beyond tuition depends largely on individual preferences and practices. The following estimates provide a range of spending:
Level 1: $1,380; Level 2: $331; Level 3: $200; Level 4: $300
(General estimated cost, subject to change)
Financial assistance
Financial assistance may be available for this program. For more information, please contact Student Financial Aid and Awards.
- Go back Advanced Placement
- Next up Courses
Courses
In the Radio Arts and Entertainment diploma program, you’ll learn the industry of media arts, audio production, and more with a mix of practical experience and in-class study. As well as classes like Music & Media Business, Journalism, Script Performance, and Sound Design, you’ll get hands-on experience with our student-run radio station, Evolution 107.9, and two in-the-field practicums.
Program matrix
Level 1 (15 weeks) | Credits | ||
---|---|---|---|
BCST 1111 | Media Performance 1 | 6.0 | |
BCST 1113 | Journalism 1 | 3.0 | |
BCST 1320 | Sound Design 1 | 2.0 | |
BCST 1350 | Policy, Regulation and Ethics in Society 1 | 3.0 | |
BCST 3315 | Documentary Production | 2.0 | |
COMM 1113 | Business Communication 1 | 3.0 | |
MDIA 2305 | Online Design | 4.0 | |
Level 2 (15 weeks plus five-week practicum) | Credits | ||
BCST 1101 | Media Technology Fundamentals 1 | 3.0 | |
BCST 1180 | Introduction to Video Editing | 3.0 | |
BCST 2209 | Practicum 1 | 7.0 | |
BCST 2211 | Media Performance 2 | 4.0 | |
BCST 2213 | Journalism 2 | 3.0 | |
COMM 2213 | Business Communication 2 | 4.0 | |
ORGB 2325 | Organizational Behaviour | 2.0 | |
Level 3 (15 weeks) | Credits | ||
BCST 1300 | Advertising: Theory and Techniques | 3.0 | |
BCST 1310 | Marketing Foundations | 2.0 | |
BCST 1380 | Script Performance | 2.0 | |
BCST 2282 | Advanced Video Editing | 3.0 | |
BCST 3310 | Media Lab 1 | 15.0 | |
BLAW 3300 | Broadcast Law | 3.0 | |
Level 4 (15 weeks plus 4-week practicum) | Credits | ||
BCST 2214 | Music & Media Business | 2.0 | |
BCST 2335 | Marketing: Sales and Public Relations | 3.0 | |
BCST 3316 | Career Development | 2.0 | |
BCST 4340 | Capstone Project | 2.0 | |
BCST 4409 | Practicum 2 | 7.0 | |
BCST 4410 | Media Lab 2 | 15.0 | |
BUSA 1200 | Business Concepts | 3.0 | |
Total Credits: | 111.0 |
Transfer credit
Do you have credits from another BC/Yukon post-secondary school? Do you want to know if they transfer to courses here at BCIT? Check out BCIT's Transfer Equivalency Database to find out.
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- Next up Program Details
Program Details
The need for qualified job applicants in media arts and entertainment fields like digital shows, radio broadcast, audio recording, and music has never been greater or more exciting. That’s why BCIT’s Radio Arts and Entertainment diploma program has been developed by industry professionals to give students the most up-to-date, necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in this challenging, creative field.
In this program, you’ll receive extensive instruction in on-air performance and operations, interviewing, media writing, online and social media, digital production, marketing and advertising for media and news, and sports reporting. As part of your instruction, you’ll get valuable experience in our full digital facilities on current industry equipment.
In addition to academic courses, you’ll receive much practical experience via structured simulations, practicums, and work on Canada’s only student-run radio station, Evolution 107.9.
In fact, at our on-campus radio station — which is available as streaming audio, through iTunes radio, and broadcast through on-air signal — you’ll get to record and interview artists like Juno award-winner Dan Mangan.
Program length
Two years, full-time
The program runs from September to May each year.
Additional program options
Program location
Burnaby Campus
3700 Willingdon Avenue
Burnaby, BC
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- Next up Graduating & Jobs
Graduating & Jobs
BCIT’s Radio Arts and Entertainment diploma is offered at one of the most respected media arts schools in Canada—and for you, that means you’ll have the skills, experience, knowledge, and credentials to begin a successful career in this exciting field.
With your diploma, you’ll be eligible to continue your studies into a communications degree at several institutions, including Royal Roads University in Victoria, BC. We even have an articulation agreement with Murdoch University in Australia!
Some career opportunities in media arts available to you as a BCIT graduate include:
- News/Sports/Entertainment Anchor
- On-Air Host
- Digital Audio Producer
- Social Media Coordinator
- Marketing Coordinator
- Media Sales Representative
- Play-by-Play Announcer
- Reporter
- Technical Producer
- Voice-Over Talent
- Podcast Producer
- Music Director
- Media Relations Coordinator
- Interviewer
- Promotions Coordinator
- Commercial Copywriter
Testimonials
“BCIT was a great place for me. I met amazing people and walked away from my two year experience with the skills I needed to work in the broadcast industry. I have great memories of my time spent there, and definitely recommend it to anyone interested in a career in media.”
Tamara Taggart
“The Radio Arts & Entertainment program taught me all the necessary skills to become a successful broadcaster and gave me the confidence to believe in myself. It shaped me to become very versatile in different areas in media and I am so happy with the decision to go to BCIT. I would highly recommend the Radio Arts & Entertainment program to anyone considering a career in media, broadcast, or communications.”
Simone Grewal, Z95.3
“This Program gave me great building blocks for strong communications skills, such as storytelling, understanding your audience, and pushing my creativity, that I definitely still use today. Those two years, and the great people I shared them with, continue to be important to my career.”
Russel Lolacher, Web and Social Media Director, BC Government
Graduate employment outcomes
The BCIT student outcomes report presents summary findings from the annual survey of former students administered by BC Stats one to two years after graduation. These reports combine the last three years of available results for the 2018-2020 BCIT Outcomes Surveys of 2017-2019 graduates and for Degree 2015-2017 graduates. The reports are organized into three-page summaries containing information on graduates’ labour market experiences and opinions regarding their education. More detailed information can be accessed at the BC Student Outcomes website.
To view these results, you may need to have the Adobe Acrobat Reader installed in your Web browser.
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- Next up Faculty, Advisors & Staff
Faculty, Advisors & Staff
The BCIT Radio Arts and Entertainment faculty has been preparing students for the many facets of the broadcasting industry longer than any other facility in the province. Our enviable track record means you will learn from only the most qualified instructors who possess a unique combination of skill-sets. These skills have been developed not only by working in industry, but also as educators.
There are five full-time faculty dedicated entirely to the Radio Arts and Entertainment program. They are not paid by the hour on a part-time basis. Each instructor is responsible for specific areas of the curriculum and the program is designed to enable access to any instructor for assistance.
The range of experience our faculty brings to you includes on-air broadcasting, music industry, audio and video production, news and sports, web and social media content writing and management, sales, marketing, and advertising. Each member of the teaching staff has extensive industry experience along with prior training in adult education.
- Kathryn Stewart, Program Head
- Brian Wiebe, Instructor
- Dennis O’Neill, Instructor
- Kevin Ribble, Instructor
- Gord Eno, Instructor
- Todd Hancock, Assistant Instructor
Advisory committee
- Shushma Datt, Owner, Spice Radio, i.t. Media Broadcasting
- Mike Eggen, Senior Account Executive, Bell Media Vancouver
- Brian Adler, Producer/Co-Founder, Mom and Dad Production Inc.
- Mike Whittingham, Program Director, TSN 1040, Bell Media Vancouver
- Cal Koat, Owner, Calcopyrite Communications Inc.
- Simone Grewal, On Air, Digital Content Editor, Social Media & Online Blogger Z953, Newcap Radio
- Chris Duncombe, Director of New Media, Corus Radio
- Taryn Stephenson, Brand Partnership & Sponsorship at Music Heals Canada
- Pamela Jones, Owner, Soundswrite Communications
- Erin McKinley, Senior Media Relations Advisor, Coast Capital Savings
- Steve Pratt, Partner, Pacific Content
- Taralynn Reburn, Account Manager, Corporate Partnerships, Vancouver Canucks
- Stephanie Pound, Communications Coordinator, BC Assessment
- Russel Lolacher, Director of Web and Multimedia Services, BC Ministry of Transportation
- Ross Hawse, Former Regional Manager, BC South, Vista Radio
- Go back Graduating & Jobs
- Next up Contact Us
Contact Us
General enquiries
Judy Phipps
Administrative Assistant
604-432-8863 | Judy_Phipps@bcit.ca
Brian Wiebe
Admissions Coordinator
604-432-8595 | Brian_Wiebe@bcit.ca
Kathryn Stewart
Student Internship Coordinator
604-456-8025 | Kathryn_Stewart@bcit.ca
Contact a Program Advisor with the BCIT program name in the subject line if you have a question about:
- Program selection and program planning
- Applying for transfer credit and advanced placement
- Job placement and graduate outcomes
- Student life
Questions or comments?
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